So you're planning a trip to Catalina Island and wondering what to do once you get off that ferry. As someone who's been visiting Catalina for over fifteen years (my aunt actually lives in Avalon), I've done everything from touristy must-sees to hidden local gems. Forget those generic lists - I'll give you the real scoop on what makes this island special.
Catalina isn't just one type of destination. You could come for adventure, relaxation, history, or all three. The biggest mistake I see first-timers make? Underestimating how much there is beyond Avalon's waterfront. Last summer, my cousin visited and only saw the main street before declaring "we've done it all." Boy was she wrong.
Local Tip: The Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach takes about 75 minutes. Book midweek for 30% off standard fares. Bring layers - that ocean breeze gets chilly even on sunny days!
Adventure Activities That'll Actually Get Your Heart Pumping
If you came to Catalina for adrenaline, you picked right. This island has terrain that'll surprise you. I've dragged many reluctant friends on these adventures - they always end up thanking me.
Ocean Adventures Worth Getting Wet For
Snorkeling at Lover's Cove
This marine preserve has the clearest water I've seen in Southern California. Last July, I spotted bright orange garibaldi fish within five minutes of getting in. Equipment rentals available right on the beach.
Cost: $14 gear rental | Hours: 8am-5pm daily
Parasailing Over Avalon Bay
I was terrified my first time (heights aren't my thing), but the view of the Casino building from 600 feet up was unreal. They take you up in tandem, so you can scream with a friend.
Cost: $89 per person | Duration: 1.5 hours
| Water Activity | Location | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scuba Diving | Ship Rock (Advanced) | Experienced divers | $145-220 |
| Glass Bottom Boat | Avalon Harbor | Families, non-swimmers | $24-38 |
| Kayaking Tour | Descanso Beach | Active couples | $45-65 |
Land Adventures Beyond the Beach
Most people don't realize over 90% of Catalina is undeveloped wilderness. My favorite discovery? Bison herds roaming free since a 1920s movie shoot left them behind.
| Activity | Operator | Duration | Notes From Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zip Line Eco Tour | Visit Catalina | 2 hours | The 5th line gives insane ocean views - worth the splurge |
| Bison Expedition | Catalina Island Co. | 3.5 hours | Bring binoculars! Saw babies last spring |
| Electric Bike Rental | Brown's Bikes | Self-guided | Hills are steep - get the 500W model |
Honestly, the golf carts get all the attention, but renting an e-bike lets you discover hidden lookouts most tourists miss. Just avoid the steepest hills unless you're in decent shape. My legs were burning after Summit Road!
Warning: If you're booking the zip line, don't wear flip-flops like I did on my first try. They'll make you rent sneakers ($10 wasted). And book at least 3 days ahead in summer - these sell out constantly.
Relaxation and Culture That Doesn't Feel Like a Tourist Trap
Sometimes you just want to slow down. Catalina's charm lies in its 1920s architecture and small-town pace. I still find new details in the Casino building after dozens of visits.
Iconic Catalina Experiences You Shouldn't Miss
| Experience | Location | Hours | Why It's Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina Casino Tour | 1 Casino Way, Avalon | Tours at 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm | Original 1929 Art Deco theater with Wrigley history |
| Descanso Beach Club | St Catherine Way | 11am-5pm daily | Only private beach on island - rent cabanas ($150-350) |
| Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden | Avalon Canyon Rd | 9am-5pm daily | Tiles made from Catalina clay - stunning ocean views |
The Casino tour surprised me - I expected gambling history but got incredible architecture instead. The murals in the ballroom? Breathtaking. And that massive circular dance floor has seen some famous feet over the decades.
Local Secret: The 4pm Casino tour is usually least crowded. Afterwards, grab a drink at the bar upstairs with panoramic harbor views - perfect sunset spot.
Dining That Tastes Like the Ocean (In a Good Way)
Catalina's food scene punches above its weight. After eating my way through every restaurant here's my brutally honest take:
The Lobster Trap
128 Catalina St, Avalon
Must order: Cioppino (fish stew) - packed with local catch
Price: $$-$$$ | Hours: 11am-11pm
My take: Tourist favorite but actually good. Get there before 6pm or expect 90min wait.
Maggie's Blue Rose
205 Crescent Ave, Avalon
Must order: Mole enchiladas - complex sauce from family recipe
Price: $$ | Hours: 7am-9pm
My take: Best Mexican food on island. Margaritas are strong - careful!
Let's be real - Avalon has some overpriced mediocre food targeting tourists. Bluewater Grill? Pretty views but bland fish. I send friends to Joe's Place instead for solid burgers without the waterfront markup.
Breakfast Spots That Actually Open Early
Nothing worse than finding all breakfast places open at 8am when your ferry arrives at 7. From painful experience:
- Original Jack's Country Kitchen (6:30am): Huge pancakes, gruff service that grows on you
- Cafe Metropole (7am): Best coffee on island plus breakfast burritos
- Luau Larry's (8am): Skip food but get a Wiki Wacker cocktail for the souvenir cup
When You Want to Escape the Crowds
Two Harbors feels like a different island - only 150 residents and zero chain stores. My favorite summer ritual? Taking the Cyclone boat from Avalon ($32 roundtrip) to hike to Parsons Landing.
| Activity | Location | Cost | Why It's Worth It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trans-Catalina Trail | Two Harbors to Little Harbor | Free (permit required) | Rugged coastline with military history markers |
| Kayak to Emerald Bay | Two Harbors Harbor | $60 half-day rental | Sea caves only accessible by water |
| Cabrillo Mole Fishing | Avalon Harbor entrance | Free (gear rental $22) | Morning hours best for mackerel - locals will give tips |
That hike to Parsons Landing? Brutally hot in August but ends at a secluded beach with lockers for camping supplies. Pro tip: Pre-order firewood and water delivery so you're not carrying it all.
Warning: Don't attempt the Trans-Catalina Trail without checking the shuttle schedule first. I once missed the last shuttle and had to walk an extra 7 miles in the dark. Not fun.
Catalina Island FAQs: What Visitors Actually Ask
After chatting with hundreds of travelers on the ferry over the years, here are the real questions people have about what there is to do on Catalina Island:
Q: Is Catalina Island just a day trip destination?
Not even close. I used to do day trips until I stayed overnight and realized how magical the island becomes after the last ferry leaves. Stargazing without light pollution? Priceless.
Q: What's the one thing most tourists miss?
The interior! Take the Hermit Gulch Trail early morning to see foxes and hear birds that exist nowhere else. Most folks never leave Crescent Avenue.
Q: How many days do I need?
For first timers: Two nights minimum. Day 1: Avalon sights & water activities. Day 2: Interior tour or Two Harbors trip. Anything less feels rushed.
Q: Is Catalina worth it if I hate crowds?
Visit October-April (except spring break) or stay in Two Harbors. My November visit felt like having the island to myself. Even the bison seemed more relaxed.
Q: What's surprisingly expensive?
Snacks and sunscreen at the mini-marts! Bring your own. But surprisingly cheap? Happy hour oysters at Avalon Grille (3-5pm daily).
Making Your Catalina Trip Unforgettable (Without Breaking the Bank)
Let's be honest - Catalina isn't cheap. But I've learned tricks to save money while still experiencing what makes the island special:
- Ferry Deals: Tuesday/Wednesday crossings are cheapest. Look for "local resident" fares - they rarely check IDs
- Activity Bundles: "Discover Catalina" package saves 25% on tours + rentals
- Where to Stay: Avoid waterfront hotels. The Catalina Canyon Inn is half the price with free shuttle service
- Free Activities: Hike the Garden to Sky Trail, watch glassblowers at Cimo, fish off Green Pier
The biggest value tip? Slow down. Catalina reveals its magic when you linger over coffee watching boats in the harbor, not when you're racing between attractions. Last summer I spent three hours just sketching the Casino building - noticed architectural details I'd missed on ten previous visits.
So what is there to do on Catalina Island? More than you could fit in five trips. Whether you want heart-pounding adventure or lazy beach days, this island delivers. Just promise me one thing - don't spend your whole trip shopping on Crescent Avenue like most tourists. Get out there and fall in love with the real Catalina.
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